Special Half Dollars Placed in Circulation

The United States Mint has placed 250,000 special-issue Enduring Liberty half dollar coins with privy mark into circulation through Federal Reserve Banks to further honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, terrorist attacks. The privy mark includes the date "9-11-01" encircled by the phrase, "ALWAYS REMEMBER," a pledge to never forget the Americans whose tragedies and heroism marked September 11, 2001. The coins were struck at the West Point Mint and bear a W mint mark.

"Following the tragic attacks 25 years ago on our nation, ordinary acts were transformed into extraordinary acts," said Mint Director Paul Hollis. "No one understands that better than New Yorkers. That is why we took a truly American coin—the 2026 Enduring Liberty Half Dollar—and for the first time, put it in the hands of our West Point employees to mint. Lady Liberty’s steadfast gaze not only looks toward the future but also has a special 9-11 Always Remember privy mark in sight—a tribute to this solemn anniversary."

On August 21, the Mint presented 2,983 coins to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the six victims who died in the February 16, 1993, World Trade Center Bombing. The coins were delivered to the Memorial in advance of the September 11 remembrance event.

The obverse design shows a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty, her steadfast gaze looking outward as if toward the future. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "1776 ~ 2026."

The reverse design features Liberty passing her torch, its flame trailing with the momentum of purpose, to a new generation. Inscriptions are "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "HALF DOLLAR," and "KNOWLEDGE IS THE ONLY GUARDIAN OF TRUE LIBERTY."